CO2 Capture & Storage

Carbon, originally extracted from the ground as gas, oil and coal is returned back to the earth in the form of CO2.  Following its capture, large volumes of CO2 are compressed and injected deep underground in secure geological formations where it is trapped for centuries.

The process starts with the capture of CO2 generated by power stations and larger industrial facilities on through post combustion, pre-combustion and or oxy fuel combustion.  The CO2 is transported by pipeline, truck or ship to a storage location where it is injected into a suitable geological formation.

Image source:  CO2CRC

The technologies and techniques involved are generally not new.  The gas capture processes involved are already in use for a variety of industries.  Transportation of gas by pipeline is well understood, from decades of experience.  The storage of CO2 underground is actually a natural occurring phenomenon with some CO2 reservoirs being thousands or millions of years old.  There are hundreds of natural gas storage sites worldwide.

Carbon capture and storage is viewed as a cost-effective bridging strategy addresses the continued need for fossil fuels while allowing for the development of a sustainable global energy future.

Related Information

IPAC-CO2 and CSA to develop standard for geologic storage of carbon dioxide

Carbon capture guidelines in works